Nigeria, Angola Revive Bilateral Economic Commission After 24 Years
Nigeria and Angola have reactivated their Bilateral Joint Economic Commission after a 24-year hiatus, marking a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
The commission’s fifth meeting was held in Luanda, Angola, where both countries signed agreements on sister-city relationships and bilateral cooperation.
The agreements include a twinning agreement between Bayelsa State and Namibe Province, aimed at promoting economic and environmental development, urban city management, and agricultural manpower training.
The partnership also encompasses citizenship relations, social and economic cooperation, energy, education, culture, tourism, and sports development.
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, described the agreement as historic, highlighting the potential for mutual benefits in areas such as natural resource management and economic growth.
Diri commended the Federal Government for facilitating the bilateral cooperation arrangement, which he believes will open new avenues for economic development in Bayelsa State.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, emphasized the significance of the joint commission in reaffirming the friendly and cooperative ties between Nigeria and Angola. She noted that the commission provides a framework for developing strategies to strengthen and broaden bilateral relations, with a focus on sustainable economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
The meeting resulted in the signing of 28 memoranda of understanding, which will be further deliberated upon by various sub-committees. Ojukwu assured that the Nigerian government will deploy the necessary political will to implement the agreements, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The revival of the Bilateral Joint Economic Commission marks a new chapter in Nigeria-Angola relations, with both countries committed to enhancing partnership and cooperation in various areas.
